Search sources for machinists tools then for gunsmithing tools brownells has a good selection of gunsmithing tools. But for actual mill and lathe work, get brand name mics, test indicators, calipers, gauges, tool holders, bit inserts for lathe work blah blah blah list goes on. Measuring tool wise if you can save up buy mitutoyo. For cutting inserts buy Mitsubishi. End mills I like m a ford.I recently completed the Penn-Foster Gunsmithing Course and I'm looking to build a work area with the basic equipment I'll need to do common gunsmithing tasks. Penn-Foster didn't help with this type of inventory. Does anyone know of a source which might help?
I’ll agree with this but with a twist...A pet peeve of mine is folks calling themselves a "Gunsmith" who aren't.......
There are a hell of lot folks working on guns (me included) who are not real "Gunsmiths"....
Trying to figure out who really is............ and isn't........ can be an expensive endeavor.........
When customers referred to me as the "Gunsmith", I quickly explained, I was not....was never comfortable with it....
A lot of folks think anyone who works on guns deserves the title...........not all do.......
jmho....
Brownells will give very nearly anyone a discount. It isn't all that great a deal anyway, but every little bit helps.I believe Brownells and most other firearm suppliers wont give you a discount unless you provide them your FFL (typically Class 1). Per the ATF, you are required to have an FFL to practice gunsmithing for profit, but this allows you to get better pricing for your customers and opens more business opportunities anyway
When I worked for an 07 I got this spot welding kit in and tossed everything but the welder and used the lathe and mill to make the tips that would ensure the results I wanted.I, IMHO, dont think one can be a real gun Smith if you arent a competent machinist. Otherwise, like the rest of us, you are an assembler tinkerer or even technician who has to know their limitations lest they really phuck shit up or get someone killed.
Lesson 1. Never forget -Dremel tools allow you to make mistakes faster.Dremel or Fordham tools allow you to make mistakes faster.
A cnc knee mill. Cause you can still do everything you can with a manual in jog mode.My lathe was made in Taiwan and is a 14X40...very happy with it. Bought from a competitive shooter who did his own barrel work......
My mill is a Grizzly Chinese round column....I bought it new a few years ago. It does have power feed and has done everything I have needed it to do...........but knowing what I know now...I should have opted for an older knee mill like a Clausing or South Bend............
When Dremel tools became affordable, many DIYer's thought they were gunsmiths! I have seen a fair amount of guns ruined because of Dremel tool. A Dremel tool is a wonderful tool in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing, but will turn a gun into worthless crap in the hands of someone that THINKS they are a gunsmith.Lesson 1. Never forget -Dremel tools allow you to make mistakes faster.
Any tool is only as good as your ability to master it.When I first got my drill press, I thought “I can do a lot with this!” But in reality I can ruin a lot with it.